Chapter 371: Plans to stream

Early in the morning, around six, the cadets of the unit were instructed to report to the underground training shelter, a place they usually visited for one purpose alone: sparring.

The schedule made it clear that today would be different from their previous sessions. Instead of being put through routine exercises or sitting through lessons about the world and sorcery, they would finally be allowed to fight each other.

"Finally, something worth wasting my precious sleep over." Elena rubbed her hands together, a faint grin spreading across her face at the thought of a proper sparring session.

Kyle glanced at her as they walked side by side through the corridor. They had left at roughly the same time, although that was not entirely by coincidence.

Or rather, Elena had waited for him.

He had taken his bath after her, and she had apparently decided to wait until he was ready before heading out. Perhaps she wanted him to show her around out of gratitude for what he had done for her the previous night.

Kyle, however, genuinely believed there was nothing worth thanking him for.

He had no interest in sex or romance unless it involved either of two particular women, so accepting Rey’s offer had never even crossed his mind. As for switching rooms, that seemed like an unnecessary violation of the rules, one that could easily create trouble for him later.

So, from his perspective, he had done nothing particularly selfless. He had simply avoided a situation he had no reason to involve himself in.

"It’s B3," Elena said once they stepped into the elevator.

Kyle said nothing. He simply reached out and pressed the corresponding button before the doors slid shut.

Elena crossed her arms and leaned against the wall. "You’ve been a lucky charm for us. We don’t have to go through the same shit again today, and we’re finally allowed to fight."

Kyle glanced at her. "How long have you been here?"

He did not think it had been very long. The speed at which the organization was sending new recruits into actual field operations suggested that cadets were not kept in training for particularly long.

"About a week," Elena replied. After a moment, she corrected herself. "Around nine days, actually. That’s why I was surprised when I saw you being assigned to our unit. From what I’ve heard, a new unit is formed roughly every ten days."

Kyle hummed thoughtfully.

Perhaps they had been short on personnel and simply filled the remaining positions with whoever was available. It was possible, although something about the timing made him wonder if there was another reason behind his assignment.

Before he could think much further about it, the elevator chimed.

The doors parted.

A familiar sight greeted Kyle on the other side.

He had already been here once before when he visited the base. This was the same underground facility where he had fought Bennet Cooper in the pit.

There was one noticeable difference this time.

The soldiers who had occupied the facility during his previous visit were nowhere to be seen. Instead, the central area was occupied by the other cadets from their unit, gathered together while they waited for the session to begin.

"Come on, let’s go." Elena immediately started toward the group, reaching out and pulling Kyle along with her.

Kyle allowed himself to be dragged for a few steps before his slower pace forced Elena to adjust. She eventually let out a quiet groan and fell into step beside him instead.

As they approached the others, she glanced toward the gathered cadets and muttered, "See? I told you to improve your bathing skill. We arrived last."

Kyle shrugged. "You could have arrived earlier."

She huffed, lifting her chin with exaggerated dignity. "I am a kind boss who knows how to take care of her underlings. So be thankful."

Kyle found the sight strangely amusing. She was a grown woman, yet she could act so childish when she wanted to. What made it even more convincing was the genuine pride shining in her eyes, as though she sincerely believed she had performed some great act of kindness by waiting for him.

Shaking his head, Kyle finally reached the center of the training area. Only then did he notice that the others were gathered around someone.

’Strange.’

Even without consciously activating God’s Eye, Kyle could roughly sense the number of people in the room. His awareness of his surroundings had become sharp enough that missing someone entirely was unusual.

Yet somehow, he had failed to notice that familiar silver head among them.

"Ah, finally here." Jimmy’s voice drew his attention. He stood near the gathered cadets with a wide grin, his eyes immediately settling on Elena and Kyle. "I thought you two were planning to be rebellious on this depressing morning. But here we are, all cadets reporting on time."

He spread his arms as though presenting the assembled group, his enthusiasm almost comical considering the hour.

"Ahem, sir?"

A man in a black tracksuit coughed from the side, politely drawing Jimmy’s attention. "Should we begin?"

Jimmy hummed before gesturing toward the cadets. "Why don’t you brief them on what we’ll be doing today, Jeromy?"

The bespectacled man nodded and stepped forward, his expression becoming noticeably more serious as he addressed the group.

"Today, we will assess your martial prowess through sparring. You will fight in pairs, and Sir Jimmy will decide your opponents. Your objective is simple. Force your opponent to surrender. There should be no intention of killing them."

He paused, allowing the instructions to settle before continuing.

"Any minor or major injuries sustained during the sparring session will be treated afterward. However, deliberately attempting to cripple another cadet will result in the fight being stopped immediately."

A few cadets exchanged glances at that.

"There’s another rule," Jeromy added. "Magic is prohibited. You heard me. No one uses magic during the spar. You will rely solely on your hands and legs."

The atmosphere in the shelter changed almost immediately. For the first time since their arrival, the cadets were being given a chance to measure themselves against one another without any interference of the instructors.

Some looked excited, while others quietly sized up the people around them, already wondering who they might be forced to face.

Meanwhile, Rey licked his lips and rubbed his hands. Finally, they were speaking his language.

Kyle though, had another plan.

’Perfect opportunity. Aleda, start the stream once I go in.’

[Understood!]